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Art dealers still in business pending relocation
Members of the Art and Craft Dealers Association say their recent engagement with government over plans to relocate the art market in Accra is yielding some positive result.
They have indicated their readiness to move to designated spaces at Kwawudi and Dodowa after the necessary facilities have been constructed.
Government intends to pull down structures at the centre to pave way for the marine drive project — an investment meant to boost the tourism industry and create jobs for the youth.
The traders, somewhat last year, had threatened to resist the relocation plans, citing various inconveniences the move was likely cause them.
They argued that livelihoods would be lost since the Community Youth Cultural Centre at Kwawukudi in Accra was not spacious to accommodate all of them
The new centre, according to them, lacks the facilities which will facilitate their activities hence their call on the government to consider renovating the centre instead of pulling it down completely.
But it appears the traders now appreciate the essence of their relocation to a new site. When The Spectator visited the market square on Wednesday, some traders were seen attending to a handful of clients.
Contrary to previous reports, Mr Charles Kofi Appiah, Chairman of the Traditional Cultural Kente and Adinkra Manufacturers and Sellers Association, explained that it was only the administration of the centre for National Culture that was relocating.
He said prospective clients thought the market square had already been relocated but it was still operating and business was picking up gradually.
The traders are, however, not clear how soon the relocation would happen and appealed to the government to fast track work on the Kawukudi and Dodowa projects before they are relocated.
The Art Centre has been an embodiment of culture for many years. It has a Visual Arts Department, a market square and a theatre which serve as rehearsal grounds for persons in the arts.
By Lizzy Okai
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
